I've been toying with this idea in my head. I can't decide which exercise I like better in terms of conditioning. I always thought that there was nothing better than hill sprints for turning oneself into a beast, but then I started on burpees, and now I can't decide! Thoughts? Which do you feel does a better job of getting you into condition?
I'd just like to point out that I don't intend on doing just one or the other, I love them both.

Steve C wrote:I'd just like to point out that I don't intend on doing just one or the other, I love them both.

I think you hit it right there. I believe the key to good conditioning is variety.

If I had to choose, I guess I'd pick burpees b/c they are portable.

"Even in the high-tech battlefield of today, it is the soldier with the rifle who still makes the differnece....[so too] the firefighter and his nozzle will continue to be the difference between life and death for literally thousands..."
Lt. Andy Fredricks, FDNY (LODD 9/11/01)

Both!! I just wish I had some better hills around here. I think burpees might be the hardest single exercise ever invented.

Actually, I saw a video of a guy going burpee pullups the other day. That looks pretty brutal. Do a burpee under an 8' pullup. Jump up, grab it, and do a pullup each time. I saw one of the CrossFit beasts do 100 in just over 10 min. I doubt I could do 100 straight regardless of the time!

Steve C wrote:I've been toying with this idea in my head. I can't decide which exercise I like better in terms of conditioning. I always thought that there was nothing better than hill sprints for turning oneself into a beast, but then I started on burpees, and now I can't decide! Thoughts? Which do you feel does a better job of getting you into condition?I'd just like to point out that I don't intend on doing just one or the other, I love them both.

I like them both, but in terms of "favouritism", I must admit I lean towards hill sprints. I find them one of the most exhilarating and effective activities. Notable training effects include:

For me the push-up part is no problem I think if I had the fuel to do 100 burpees straight I wouldn't feel it in my arms. Burpees may be ''handier'' (does this word exist? handy -> handier?!) you can do them anyplace anytime anyhow. For ultimate conditioning just combine them and be prepared to get f*cked up.